Chapter 11: Towering Ridges and Layered Peaks without a Mountain Dragon

Entering the Plum Snow Garden, the other brothers and sisters glanced up at Lu Xiao. They all seemed to know he would be coming today, so there was no surprise on their faces. The servants from the matron’s courtyard approached and led Lu Xiao to a prepared seat. Unsurprisingly, it was a position towards the back, partially obscured by winter sweet trees, limiting the view considerably. Lu Xiao found it quite normal to be placed there.

Calmly taking his seat, Lu Xiao waited to see what commotion would unfold today. After about fifteen minutes, the old matriarch of the Lu family, the matron, the second madam, and a man in his forties—still considered young in this cultivation world—arrived at the Plum Snow Garden, laughing and chatting. Since the old matriarch personally came to greet him, this man must hold a high status.

“Shanlong, you’ll sit here. You are an honored guest, deserving of this seat,” the old matriarch said politely, though she still placed him in the upper position. The matron and the second madam took the sides, sitting as accompanying guests.

“Our younger generation in the Lu family is somewhat disappointing. They catch on quickly to frivolous games, but both the paths of martial cultivation and scholarly arts seem to be arduous for them,” the old matriarch remarked. The two madams from the main and secondary branches twitched their lips slightly at this. Her words were not only aimed at Lu Xiao but also belittled their own sons and daughters. In fact, when she spoke, the old matriarch likely wasn’t even thinking of Lu Xiao.

Wu Shanlong, sitting nearby, quickly offered a way out of the awkwardness. “Those who cultivate need time to accumulate and settle. Many start off unremarkably on their path but suddenly have a breakthrough and ascend to great heights. Also, I have heard of the younger generation in the mansion; there is no way they are as incapable as you say, Old Matriarch Lu.”

After Wu Shanlong spoke, the atmosphere lightened somewhat, and everyone present felt more at ease. A smile appeared on the old matriarch’s face. She then pointed to Lu Zhi, seated to her right. “In martial cultivation, only Lu Zhi has shown some promise. Upon hearing that Shanlong came to visit the Lu family, this child put aside his affairs and rushed back overnight.”

Hearing the old matriarch mention him, Lu Zhi, the legitimate eldest son, stood and bowed to Wu Shanlong. “I am unworthy; please give me your guidance, Senior Wu.”

After specifically highlighting Lu Zhi, the old matriarch turned her gaze to the others.

Among the younger generation, one by one stood to introduce themselves. Although Lu Xiao was the fourth young master of the mansion, others had already taken the initiative, and he was the last to stand and introduce himself. He made no extra moves or sought to steal anyone’s spotlight. Like the others, he simply rose, bowed, and gave his introduction.

Upon hearing Lu Xiao’s name, Wu Shanlong involuntarily lifted his head. “So you are Lu Xiao? You’re quite different from what I expected.” The old matriarch also cast a cold glance at Lu Xiao and commented briefly, “You’ve made Shanlong laugh. This child seems obedient but is actually quite stubborn. His martial arts are weak, and he struggles with scholarly arts. We have tried to get him to contribute to the Lu family and the future of the Xia Kingdom, but he refuses to listen. Now he even wants to take the entrance exam for the Martial Sect Academy to cultivate there. It seems he blames us elders for his failures.”

The old matriarch’s face showed a hint of helplessness. Lu Xiao quietly listened, knowing well in his heart whether he should blame them. His memories were clear: when he first encountered martial arts and scholarly arts, the Hou mansion held a test. Having no prior knowledge, his performance was naturally poor. Others had mothers guiding them and tutors teaching in advance, but after the test, Lu Xiao was labeled as having low talent. The mansion withheld resources and guidance. His so-called father was always wandering outside, nowhere to be found, no support at all. His current martial arts ability was not about innate talent but because he had never truly delved into martial cultivation.

“Please, Shanlong, give him some guidance. Otherwise, if he fails the Martial Sect Academy’s test, he will blame us elders again,” the old matriarch said. Lu Xiao was somewhat surprised. He knew little of Wu Shanlong, but judging by the Hou mansion’s attitude, he must be a person of considerable status. The old matriarch even entrusted him to give Lu Xiao guidance. While surprised, Lu Xiao also grew more cautious. He was no fool; if the old matriarch treated him well for no reason, he had to suspect her motives.

“As long as the younger generation in the mansion doesn’t mind, I will do my best to guide them,” Wu Shanlong said with a smile. Just as he finished speaking, before the old matriarch could reply, someone arrived late at Plum Snow Garden for the gathering. It was Lu Yun, but she was not alone—Xue Shiwei accompanied her. Arriving even later than the guests was rather impolite.

The old matriarch, sitting in the upper seat, frowned slightly, likely intending to scold Lu Yun. However, with guests present, she held her tongue. “Yun’er, why are you so late? Didn’t I tell you yesterday that we have honored guests? Also, who is this young friend by your side...?”

The old matriarch didn’t recognize Xue Shiwei, who had only been strolling near Lu Yun’s courtyard in recent days, occasionally wandering around Yonglin City without disturbing the elders of the Lu family. Seeing the old matriarch’s displeasure, Madam Zhong, Lu Yun’s mother and the second madam, quickly gave her daughter a look, signaling her to explain and introduce the person beside her. Today, with Wu Shanlong present, an esteemed guest of the Lu mansion, Lu Yun’s tardiness was already problematic, but bringing an outsider without prior notice was even more inappropriate.

Before Lu Yun could answer, Wu Shanlong, sitting next to the old matriarch, spoke up first. “Old Matriarch Lu, you don’t recognize Miss Xue? This is Miss Xue Shiwei, the second young lady of the Xue Duke’s mansion.” Wu Shanlong smiled warmly, proactively rescuing Xue Shiwei from awkwardness as he nodded toward her.

Upon hearing she was the second young lady of the Xue Duke’s family, the old matriarch’s expression immediately softened. “Yun’er, how can you be so bad at hosting? Miss Xue has arrived, and you didn’t inform us to properly greet her? We should have received her personally and ensured the servants treated her well. If there has been any neglect in these past days, I ask Miss Xue not to hold it against us.”

The old matriarch’s face was as warm as spring breeze. Though she seemed to blame Lu Yun, her tone was infinitely gentle—almost as if praising her. Everyone could see clearly that the old matriarch truly held some admiration.